PONCEY-HIGHLAND

Come hyped, leave sweaty. This bumpin’ dance club is more “jeans and sneakers” than typical clubs in ‘hoods such as Midtown and Buckhead. And that’s what draws hordes of locals weekend after weekend—the DJs are always on point, and there are multiple bars to belly up to. What’s not to love?

A stone’s throw from MJQ, this intimate, divey venue consistently plays host to a range of up-and-coming bands (Best Coast, Cults and Bully have all taken the stage there), along with spoken-word performances, benefit concerts and more. Plus, its logo is a unicorn with an upside-down-martini-glass horn. What more convincing could you need?

Flattering lighting (glowing salt lamps hang above many of the tables), cozy patios and a rotating roster of eats, draft beers and cocktails keep this pub buzzy and date-night worthy. On Tiki Tuesdays, grab a pair of bar seats—a common spot for meet-cutes—and order up a few tacos or spicy blue cheese chips while knocking back tropical cocktails in funky, tiki-themed cups that are yours to keep. The bar’s named after the common meeting spot in the cult-classic early ’90s TV show “Twin Peaks,” with colorful portraits of some of the show’s characters created by local artist Barry Lee dotting the walls. Brewheads will be particularly pleased with the drink selection; the robust menu features IPAs, lagers, saisons, ciders, gluten-free options and everything in between, along with the hard stuff (scotch malts and Asian whiskeys are both on offer) if that’s more your speed. Plus, they’re open till anywhere from midnight to 3 a.m., so there’s no worries with closing time cutting your date night short.

It may have a rep as a gay bar, but Friends on Ponce aims to be inclusive to everyone who’s ready to have a good time. Catch one of its stellar drag shows and talent contests (check its Facebook page for event deets), then relax on the patio and take in the ATL skyline with a stiff mixed drink in hand.

This pizza joint is a staple in ATL, with large slices, quick service and plenty of seating both indoors or outside on the patio surrounding the signature fountain. Fussy foodies might scoff, but for those in need of a post-bar bite, this is pizza bliss.

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17th South:
In the heart of Atlanta,17th South magazine reaches active, exploration-minded residents ages 24-65 who want to experience the best the area has to offer, through stories and features on individuals and businesses they can relate to in their direct communities. We feature of-the-moment and hidden gem restaurants, beautiful private homes, philanthropy, arts and cultural offerings, and the trendsetters and tastemakers who are making it happen!